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Post by hdfreak on Apr 25, 2012 9:18:12 GMT -5
Hi All! New to this board and been looking for some nice upgrades for my ht/stereo setup. Due to positive feedback/reviews on several fora, my search brought me here ;-) It's very tempting to just order stuff, but I'd like some feedback on my thoughts. Can't spend money twice heh? I have the following setup as of now: Display: Samsung UE46D8000 3D TV Sources: Samsung SMT-C7140 settop Logitech Squeezebox Touch PS3 Wii Speakers: Front: Tannoy Revolution Signature DC6T Centre: Tannoy Revolution Signature DC6LCR Surround: Tannoy Revolution Signature DC4 Receiver/Amp: Arcam AVR500 Now, the problem is the Arcam, it doesnt function properly, so I have to get rid of it (will go back to the dealer with a refund). I'm in love with it's sound though! Looking for a replacement for the integrated receiver is somewhat of a hassle. Non of the alternatives offer the same audio quality for the price (provided I got the arcam at a sweet bargain). So instead of searching for an integrated amp, I'm now looking at separates. Hence me being here at Emotiva!  I use my setup for both Movies (surround) and Music (stereo). Where I find stereo to be more important, audioquality wise... If i'm informed correctly, there are several options with the Emotiva Amps. Here are my thoughts: Processor: UMC-1 - which I can replace with the XMC-1 once it's out using the generous Emotiva Upgrade certificate (Mainly because I can use 3D with the new processor) Amps: XPA-3 - Front & Centre, Mini-x A-100 - Surrounds (5.1) or XPA-2 - Front, XPA-3 - centre & surround or 2x UPA-1 (1 per l/r), XPA-3 - centra & surround or 3x UPA-1 - Front & Centre, Mini-x A-100 - Surrounds I'm thinking about the UPA's for the fronts (and possibly) centre because I can bi-wire (or passively bi-amp) them. I'm just not sure if it's worth it...will my speaker benefit from the monoblocks instead of the XPA-3 to drive them? Also, is a monoblock stereo/centre setup, while keeping the surround for movies possible with the UMC-1? Lot's of questions, I know...but if anyone can help me narrow my options, I'd be very grateful! Ps) also, will my frontspeakers benefit from the power these amps deliver?
PERFORMANCE
Recommended amplifier power 20 - 175 Watts RMS
Continuous power handling 87 Watts RMS
Peak power handling 350 Watts
Sensitivity 89dB (2.83V @ 1m)
Nominal impedance 8 Ohms
Frequency response 34Hz - 35kHz (-6dB)
Dispersion 90 degrees conical
DRIVE UNIT
Dual Concentric™ high frequency 25mm (1.00”) titanium dome with Tulip WaveGuide™
Dual Concentric™ low frequency 150mm (6.00”) treated paper pulp cone with rubber surround and 44mm (1.75”) edge wound voice coil
Bass driver 150mm (6.00”) treated paper pulp cone with rubber surround and 44mm (1.75”) edge wound voice coil
CROSSOVER
Crossover frequency 1.7kHz
Crossover type Passive low loss 2nd order LF, 1st order HF
CONSTRUCTION
Enclosure type Front ported
Volume 29.6L
1.045 cu. ft.
Dimensions 950 x 226 x 225mm (H x W x D ex. grille)
37.40 x 8.90 x 8.86” (H x W x D ex. grille)
Weight 16.4kg
36.16lbs
Finish Light oak and Espresso
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hemster
Global Moderator 
Particle Manufacturer
...still listening... still watching
Posts: 51,951
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Post by hemster on Apr 25, 2012 9:59:38 GMT -5
Welcome to the lounge! You seem to have a nice setup with the Arcam and the Tannoys and I'm surprised that the Arcam is not up to par. Anyway as you're looking to upgrade to separates (and you will get a better SQ) I'll offer my 2 cents' worth: - with your penchant for music, I would go with an XPA-2/XPA-3 combo if the budget allows. - I wouldn't bother with bi-wiring/bi-amping. - yes, the UMC-1 can be used for 2-ch music as well as 5.1 for movies. - I would add a subwoofer into the mix. Depending on the room size, maybe even two. Good luck with it and keep us posted on your progress. Feel free to ask questions here and the knowledgeable lounge lizards here would be glad to help out. |
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Post by garbulky on Apr 25, 2012 10:07:53 GMT -5
Do let us know what you listen to in general and the general proportion (movies, music, and the major type of music would be helpful as well).
If you can afford the UPA-1's I would do that because you can go the monoblock route. Also the UPA-1 uses an amp module from the X-series amp. But the SNR ratio is technically better on the X-series amps vs the UPA-1. But the UPA-1 can put out more juice at 4 ohms than the XPA-3's per channel but less than an XPA-2. According to emotiva the UPA-1's are slightly more musical and the x-series have slightly more weight. Hope that helps, I have listened to neither but I do like my UPA-2. I don't know for sure how the volume etc will work with different amps, but I think they should work together...
Good luck with your search. What I can tell you is neither of your choices are going to dissapoint.
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Post by hdfreak on Apr 25, 2012 10:25:30 GMT -5
You seem to have a nice setup with the Arcam and the Tannoys and I'm surprised that the Arcam is not up to par. Unfortunately not, it has too many bugs which can't be properly fixed. - I wouldn't bother with bi-wiring/bi-amping. I reckon many ppl don't see any benefits from (passive) bi-amping...Just the thought of having mono blocks kinda thrills me  - yes, the UMC-1 can be used for 2-ch music as well as 5.1 for movies. That I understood lol. I was referring to (but wasn't clear on that) the different amps in the same setup. Will that be a problem (output wattages differ). - I would add a subwoofer into the mix. Depending on the room size, maybe even two. This I might do eventually, but it's not something I miss currently. |
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Post by hdfreak on Apr 25, 2012 10:36:29 GMT -5
Do let us know what you listen to in general and the general proportion (movies, music, and the major type of music would be helpful as well). I guess most of the time the setup isn't used to its capabilities. That would be watching TV, playing on the Wii, listening to radio and the like.. But, I do spend dedicated hours to stereo listening. I can't really name a single genre I prefer, but to give you an idea; Jazz, Vocal, Singer/Songwriter and EDM (electronic dance music) and lounge. All of it in lossless format ofcourse... I try to watch a few movies per week or watch some hidef HBO series. All of this in untouched blu-ray format... If you can afford the UPA-1's I would do that because you can go the monoblock route. Also the UPA-1 uses an amp module from the X-series amp. But the SNR ratio is technically better on the X-series amps vs the UPA-1. But the UPA-1 can put out more juice at 4 ohms than the XPA-3's per channel but less than an XPA-2. According to emotiva the UPA-1's are slightly more musical and the x-series have slightly more weight. So if I understand you correctly, even though the specs on the XPA-2 are better, you suggest the UPA-1 for music reproduction? I don't know for sure how the volume etc will work with different amps, but I think they should work together... That's my concern too, will mixing different amps (albeit from the same manufacturer) cause any serious trouble in the tweaking section? |
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hemster
Global Moderator
Particle Manufacturer
...still listening... still watching
Posts: 51,951
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Post by hemster on Apr 25, 2012 10:38:11 GMT -5
Having different amps on the same setup is not a problem as long as you keep the front L/R channel the same. If you use the XPA-2 (L/R) and XPA-3 (C/LS/RS) combo, you should be fine.
Remember that there's not too much happening in the surround channels all the time and the XPA-3 will not leave you wanting driving the center.
Now, if you want to use a multi-channel music setup (i.e. SACDs/DVD-As) then you could opt for something different. I assumed music = 2 channel (predominantly).
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Post by hdfreak on Apr 25, 2012 10:42:20 GMT -5
Having different amps on the same setup is not a problem as long as you keep the front L/R channel the same. If you use the XPA-2 (L/R) and XPA-3 (C/LS/RS) combo, you should be fine. Remember that there's not too much happening in the surround channels all the time and the XPA-3 will not leave you wanting driving the center. Now, if you want to use a multi-channel music setup (i.e. SACDs/DVD-As) then you could opt for something different. I assumed music = 2 channel (predominantly). Hi Hemster, thanks for the quick feedback! I predominantly listen to stereo music, although I have the occasional music blu-ray. This isn't a real concern though, as I am fully aware that the surround speakers don't have that much to do ;-) Just checking whether it's ok to mix different amps. BTW; the XPA-2 is currently out of stock...it better not be for long, or I'll have to rethink my setup again |
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hemster
Global Moderator
Particle Manufacturer
...still listening... still watching
Posts: 51,951
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Post by hemster on Apr 25, 2012 10:49:17 GMT -5
Having different amps on the same setup is not a problem as long as you keep the front L/R channel the same. If you use the XPA-2 (L/R) and XPA-3 (C/LS/RS) combo, you should be fine. Remember that there's not too much happening in the surround channels all the time and the XPA-3 will not leave you wanting driving the center. Now, if you want to use a multi-channel music setup (i.e. SACDs/DVD-As) then you could opt for something different. I assumed music = 2 channel (predominantly). Hi Hemster, thanks for the quick feedback! I predominantly listen to stereo music, although I have the occasional music blu-ray. This isn't a real concern though, as I am fully aware that the surround speakers don't have that much to do ;-) Just checking whether it's ok to mix different amps. BTW; the XPA-2 is currently out of stock...it better not be for long, or I'll have to rethink my setup again Good things come to those who wait... but in case you're in a hurry, check the Emporium. There are currently a couple of XPA-2s for sale there: emotivalounge.proboards.com/index.cgi?board=emporium&action=display&thread=23928emotivalounge.proboards.com/index.cgi?board=emporium&action=display&thread=23923 |
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Post by hdfreak on Apr 25, 2012 11:21:26 GMT -5
Thanks for the links, hadn't notice that part of the forum yet ;-) As I live in Amsterdam, The Netherlands, I'm not too fond of consumer to consumer business abroad. It's just something I don't feel comfortable with. Good suggestion though! |
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Post by macromicroman on Apr 25, 2012 11:49:13 GMT -5
You could always use 3 UPA-1s for the front stage, and then use the x-100 mini for surrounds. This would keep all amps on the front stage the same.
I use an UPA-2 for L/R channels and an UPA-1 for the center and do not seem to have any problems. Unfortunately the UPA-2 is now gone and nobody seems to be selling one. I have been thinking of getting 2 more UPA-1s for the front and using the UPA-2 for surrounds, but I
am running low on funds now and can't really justify sending another $600 to $700 on Amps when the system sounds great as is.
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Post by maximumkahuna on Apr 25, 2012 12:00:26 GMT -5
If shipping costs are a concern, 3 UPA-1s and a Mini X-a100 would work fine but hemster's advice about an XPA-2/XPA-3 combo and a sub would be a killer combo. Also consider a DAC for the SB Touch. While I like my XDA-1, many say it sounds similar to the one in the UMC. If you go for the UMC, I'd consider an upscale DAC for music.
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Post by jackfish on Apr 25, 2012 13:24:00 GMT -5
UMC-1
UPA-1 x 3
mini-X a-100
The UPA-1s would be more than enough for your loudspeakers across the front soundstage, and the mini-X a-100 will supply your surrounds famously. While more power would be nice, it really is unnecessary. No need to biwire your fronts and center, just use an adequate gauge for your speaker impedance and run length.
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Post by yves on Apr 25, 2012 15:08:26 GMT -5
Another option to consider would be the legendary XPA-5. The XMC-1 is going to be 8 channel anyway after all, so then you could still add the XPA-2 later. Then you would just use your current front pair as rears, your current rear pair as sides, and the XPA-2 combined with a new and more juicy front pair to eliminate the need for active subs as well as to bump up your stereo listening experience.
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Post by audiofile on Apr 25, 2012 16:18:50 GMT -5
I can speak from experience with regards to the age old question, "Should I go with a multi-channel amp or a monoblock?".
However, I have an Emotiva amp for every speaker in my system (except the subwoofer - it has it's own internal amp) and I can say I am VERY happy with the results. I was driving my speakers, and under-driving the front mains a bit, using a 5-channel amp. Prior to that, I used my AVR to drive them.
I decided to match up some amplifier specifications to my speaker requirements and ended up with 3 UPA-1's (center, right rear, left rear) and two XPA-1's for my front main speakers. Having a dedicated amp to each speaker has been a revelation for me.
Now, I could have driven my two rear speakers with a UPA-2 (wasn't available at the time) but I decided to give all my speakers some headroom. I may have bought more than I needed but it was money well spent, IMHO.
Good luck with your set up!
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Post by yves on Apr 25, 2012 21:35:18 GMT -5
I can speak from experience with regards to the age old question, "Should I go with a multi-channel amp or a monoblock?". However, I have an Emotiva amp for every speaker in my system (except the subwoofer - it has it's own internal amp) and I can say I am VERY happy with the results. I was driving my speakers, and under-driving the front mains a bit, using a 5-channel amp. The recommended amp power for the front and center Tannoys is 175 Watts RMS into 8 Ohm. The XPA-5 delivers 200 Watts RMS into 8 Ohm so there will be no under-driving at all. |
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Post by garbulky on Apr 25, 2012 22:13:47 GMT -5
If you do mostly tv and wii applications then the UMC-1 seems to fit the bill. I would personally do monoblocks. but I've never heard monoblocks or the UPA-1, so I can't tell you via experience. I believe the emo amps use a similar "gain ratio" or something which ensures that the volume increases are consistent even on different powered amps. I think the poster audiofile is who you need to talk to as he seems to have your setup in different configs.
If you have the cash, I would buy an upgrade card from a seller and wait on the XMC-1! It shouldn't be more than a few more months. It's DAC and good headphone amp section should give it that extra bit of oomph (for more money). But I've never heard anybody complain about the quality of the UMC-1 audio quality
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Post by hdfreak on Apr 27, 2012 5:55:43 GMT -5
Thanks for all the feedback guys (and girls?)!
Seems there are different opinions on the matter, but I guess that was something I could've expected lol!
I think I will be doing something along these lines:
Buy a UMC-1 and 2 UPA-1's
Whenever available I can upgrade to the XMC-1 and buy a XPA-3 at the same time. I can then use the XPA-3 to power the center and surrounds, or use it to power the front stage (L/C/R) and use the UPA's for the surround channels.
Main priority now is to get my stereo up and running. The surround can wait a bit (not too long of course ;-))
I've also considered buying a USP-1 instead of the UMC-1, but that doesn't apply for the upgrade certificate and I would really like to upgrade to a HDMI 1.4 processor in the future (in this case the XMC-1).
Can anyone follow me on this? Or have different views/experience on this route?
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Post by garbulky on Apr 27, 2012 6:00:30 GMT -5
I think that's a solid plan
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